ISLAND VOICES

Use TOD fee to fund rail operation, maintenance

By Frank Genadio

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Jul 27, 2014

~~<p>Perspective is needed in the discussion for extending the rail surcharge, an extension that could lead to unintended consequences if used to fund operations and maintenance (O&amp;M).</p><p>The surcharge -- an additional 0.5 percent on the general excise tax on Oahu -- specifically demonstrated a dedicated local funding source to the Federal Transit Administration, leading to federal approval of $1.5 billion for local rail development, about 28 percent of the estimated total cost.</p>~~

Perspective is needed in the discussion for extending the rail surcharge, an extension that could lead to unintended consequences if used to fund operations and maintenance (O&M).

The surcharge -- an additional 0.5 percent on the general excise tax on Oahu -- specifically demonstrated a dedicated local funding source to the Federal Transit Administration, leading to federal approval of $1.5 billion for local rail development, about 28 percent of the estimated total cost. Login for more...